U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $1 Billion in Emergency Relief for Road and Bridge Repairs

Funds to states for damage from a variety of events in states across the country and U.S. territories

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced more than $1 billion in Emergency Relief (ER) funds to help 32 states, several U.S. territories and Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMA) repair roads and bridges damaged by storms, floods and other unexpected events.

FHWA’s ER program reimburses states, territories and FLMAs for eligible expenses associated with damage from natural disasters or other emergency situations. The funds help to pay for the reconstruction or replacement of damaged highways and bridges along with the arrangement of detours and replacement of guardrails or other damaged safety devices.

“The Administration is helping states and territories repair and rebuild their infrastructure in the wake of last year’s hurricanes and other disasters across the country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

At approximately $263.7 million, more than a fourth of the total amount provided today will be used to repair damages caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. This includes awards of $75,000,000 to Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey; $97,000,000 to Florida as they repair damage from Hurricane Irma; and $70,000,000 to assist in Puerto Rico’s rebuilding after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“We stand with all those who have been impacted by a natural disaster from the time of the emergency and until all repairs are completed,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Brandye L. Hendrickson. “The funding announced today will serve the traveling public by reimbursing local communities that have made repairs to damaged critical surface transportation infrastructure.”